The
C-21A is a twin turbofan engine aircraft used for cargo and
passenger airlift. The aircraft is the military version of the
Lear Jet 35A business jet. In addition to providing cargo and
passenger airlift, the aircraft is capable of transporting litters
during medical evacuations. The Air National Guard uses it
to provide low-cost flying experience for pilots, enabling them to
transition quickly to more complex weapon systems.
The C-21A can carry eight passengers and
42 cubic feet (1.26 cubic meters) of cargo. The fuel capacity of
the C-21A is 931 gallons (3,537.8 liters) with refueling
accomplished at ground level through each wingtip tank. The safety
and operational capabilities of the C-21A are increased by the
autopilot, color weather radar and tactical air navigation system,
as well as high frequency, very high frequency and ultra high
frequency radios.
The aircraft has a crew of two and may be
flown from either cockpit seat. It is equipped with an automatic
navigation system to enhance crew efficiency. Four cathode ray
tubes display essential information to the pilots.
Delivery of the C-21A fleet began in
April 1984 and was completed October 1985. Glasco, a subsidiary of
Learjet, Inc., provides full contractor logistics support at 16
worldwide locations. On April 1, 1997, all continental
U.S.-based C-21s were realigned under Air Mobility Command, with
the 375th Airlift Wing at Scott Air Force Base, Ill., as the lead
command. C-21s stationed outside the continental United States are
assigned to the theater commanders.